An article published on May 16, 2026, in 'Amar Desh' by Abdul Kader Jilani discusses the renewed relevance of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophy in Bangladesh following the July uprising that toppled a fascist government. The author connects the collective awakening for justice and truth during the protests with Iqbal’s concept of 'Khudi'—the self-realization and empowerment of individuals as the foundation of a just society. Protesters reportedly invoked Iqbal’s verses as slogans in their struggle against oppression.

The piece traces Iqbal’s intellectual influences from both Eastern and Western thinkers and his vision of a moral, equitable state guided by divine law. It contrasts Iqbal’s Islamic humanism with Rabindranath Tagore’s secular humanism, arguing that post-1971 nationalist movements in Bangladesh marginalized Iqbal’s thought. The author claims that Iqbal’s ideas of justice, unity, and cultural independence are regaining significance in post-July Bangladesh.

According to the article, this resurgence of Iqbal studies in political, cultural, and intellectual spaces signals a broader cultural revolution emphasizing Islamic values and resistance to authoritarianism.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that meaningful change requires repairing both the state and society through national consensus. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the National Film Society Conference 2026 organized by the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies.

The minister emphasized that some work stems from humanitarian motives, while the pursuit of wealth is a separate matter. He urged those involved in art, literature, and film to clearly understand this distinction in their work. Addressing social transformation, he said that the roadmap should not only focus on the film movement but also on broader social change, avoiding any group-based ideology.

Swapan cautioned that ideology-driven change can often turn into propaganda serving group interests, noting that those bound by group loyalty cannot possess true intellectual freedom.

Tensions have escalated at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) following an attack linked to ongoing protests demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor. The unrest stems from a six-month-long conflict between Vice Chancellor Professor Kazi Rafiqul Islam and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor S.M. Hemayet Jahan. A case has been filed against 26 individuals after the attack on a group of BNP-affiliated teachers, officers, and employees, with one arrest already made.

The dispute began after the 57th Regent Board meeting in December, where disagreements over promotions and administrative decisions divided the faculty. Subsequent incidents, including the removal of a dean and allegations of forced signatures on official documents, deepened the rift. Both sides have accused each other of corruption, irregularities, and political bias, leading to a prolonged deadlock in university governance.

Teachers and officials continue sit-in protests demanding punishment for those involved in the attack. The Vice Chancellor claims a vested group is destabilizing the campus to conceal past irregularities, while the Pro-Vice Chancellor’s faction blames the administration for mismanagement and authoritarian practices.

Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad stated that the BNP-led government has already begun implementing its election manifesto. He said this during a video conference as the chief guest at a seminar on the implementation of the government’s election pledges, held Saturday morning at the Shayestaganj Press Club auditorium in Habiganj. Ahmad noted that initiatives such as the Family Card and Farmer Card programs are being rolled out soon after the election.

The seminar was organized by the Sylhet Regional Information Office with support from the District Information Office. Ahmad emphasized the media’s responsibility in conveying the government’s development activities to the public and ensuring transparency in information dissemination. Deputy Chief Information Officer Hasina Akter served as the main discussant, while District Information Officer Walidur Rahman attended as a special guest.

Journalists from various print and electronic media outlets in Shayestaganj participated in the event, discussing transparency, development communication, and objective reporting. Participants expressed hope that such seminars would continue regularly.

British politician and Member of Parliament Jeremy Corbyn has sharply criticized the United States’ policy on Palestine and accused the United Kingdom of enabling Israel’s actions in Gaza. In a Facebook post marking the 78th anniversary of Nakba Day, Corbyn stated that 800,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes 78 years ago, a tragedy he said was made possible by Britain. He alleged that the UK continues to assist in what he described as Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Corbyn’s remarks came as Palestinians commemorated Nakba Day, which traces its origins to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. On May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence while the region was still under British control as Mandate Palestine. Following the declaration, most Arabs in the area were expelled or fled. Each year, Palestinians mark the day with protests near the Israeli border, often accompanied by heightened tensions.

The statement underscores ongoing criticism of Britain’s historical and current role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly during periods of renewed violence in Gaza.

On May 14, 2026, an attack and violence occurred at the historic Shah Ali shrine area in Mirpur. In response, the Dhaka North unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) expressed deep concern, anger, and strong condemnation over the incident. The party stated that such violence at a religiously and historically significant site reflects a deterioration of law and order and poses a threat to social harmony and public safety.

The NCP Dhaka North called on the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure a fair and impartial investigation, bring those involved to justice swiftly, and take effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The party emphasized that the shrine should serve as an open center of social, human, and cultural harmony for all, regardless of religious or ideological differences.

It further urged the government to make the shrine area a safe and orderly place for visitors and devotees from across the country, stressing that preventing fear, violence, and disorder around such cultural and religious heritage sites is a shared responsibility of both the state and society.

Students at Jahangirnagar University have intensified protests following an alleged attempted rape of a female student on May 12. After a 48-hour ultimatum expired, female students declared the proctorial body unwelcome, broke the lock of the proctor’s office, and installed a new one. Protesters held a sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor’s residence from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, reiterating their six-point demand for the arrest of the accused and accountability from the administration.

Students accused the administration of concealing key information and spreading misleading images. They criticized the vice-chancellor for praising the proctor despite previous controversies. Following a heated exchange between the vice-chancellor, Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, and protesters, the students announced that all administrative activities would be halted from the next day until the proctor resigns and the accused is punished.

The vice-chancellor stated that police are making progress and that any action must follow an investigation involving both parties. He urged students to allow time for the inquiry and said the issue of incorrect images would also be reviewed by the investigation committee.

Mizanur Rahman Sinha, former state minister for health and family welfare and convener of the Munshiganj district BNP, has passed away. He died on Friday night, May 15, 2026, while undergoing treatment in Singapore. He was 83 years old at the time of his death.

Sinha was elected to parliament from Munshiganj-2 constituency (Tongibari-Louhajong) as a BNP candidate in the 1996 and 2001 national elections. He served as state minister for health and family welfare from 2003 to 2006. On January 22, 2020, he resigned from all BNP positions, but was later appointed convener of the Munshiganj district BNP on February 2, 2025. He was nominated again by the BNP for the Munshiganj-2 seat in the 13th national election but fell ill before the polls and was taken to Singapore for treatment.

Local political leaders, businesspeople, and residents expressed grief over his death, reflecting his long-standing influence in Munshiganj politics.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he would not advise his children to study or work in the United States, citing a changing social climate and difficulties even highly educated people face in finding jobs there. He made the remarks while addressing a youth Catholic conference in Würzburg, amid ongoing tensions with US President Donald Trump over the Iran conflict.

Merz’s comments drew immediate backlash from Trump’s camp. Former US ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell accused Merz of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and claimed the chancellor had previously acted deferentially toward Trump. Germany’s far-right AfD leader Alice Weidel also criticized Merz, saying his stance was hypocritical given Germany’s own economic challenges.

The dispute comes as US-European relations face strain over trade and military aid to Ukraine. Merz, struggling to revive Germany’s weak economy, has previously criticized US-Israeli actions in Iran and their impact on European interests. Despite tensions, he said he remains committed to maintaining strong transatlantic ties under NATO.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced plans to make Cumilla a new administrative division and to establish an agricultural university in the region. He made the announcement on Saturday afternoon during a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar field in Barura, Cumilla. Rahman said that all promises made by his government would be fulfilled gradually and urged citizens to remain patient as the economy faces pressure after 17 years of mismanagement.

He emphasized that the BNP government is committed to keeping its electoral promises, citing ongoing initiatives such as canal excavation, distribution of family and farmer cards, and honorariums for imams and priests. Rahman stated that rebuilding the country requires collective participation and that the people voted for the BNP based on its presented plans.

Highlighting Cumilla’s agricultural importance, Rahman said the region exports large quantities of produce nationwide. He added that he would soon discuss with the education minister the establishment of an agricultural university in Cumilla as a response to local demands.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed from Cumilla for Chandpur on Saturday afternoon after addressing a roadside gathering. He left at around 1:45 p.m. to inaugurate several development projects and attend local events in Chandpur district.

According to the schedule, Rahman will inaugurate the re-excavation of Khordda Canal at Waruk Bazar in Tamta Dakshin Union of Shahrasti upazila, followed by a brief roadside speech. Later, at 2:30 p.m., he will open the re-excavation work of Bishwo Canal at Ghosher Hat in Kumardugi village under Shah Mahmudpur Union of Chandpur Sadar upazila, where he will also address a short gathering.

The Prime Minister is expected to take a short break at Chandpur Circuit House at 3 p.m., attend a Family Card distribution event at Chandpur Government College ground at 4 p.m., and join the district BNP’s organizational meeting at Chandpur Club at 5 p.m. His visit will conclude with his return to Dhaka by road at 6:30 p.m.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has expressed deep sorrow over the death of popular content creator and actress Karina Kaiser. In a Facebook post on Saturday, May 16, 2026, he described her untimely death as an irreparable loss for the anti-fascist movement, culture, and democratic aspirations.

Asif Mahmud recalled Karina’s active participation during the July uprising and her firm stance in the anti-fascist struggle, noting her role as both a cultural activist and a courageous voice against injustice. He said her courage, commitment, and fighting spirit would continue to inspire the younger generation. The NCP spokesperson also prayed for her soul and extended condolences to her family, comrades, and well-wishers.

Karina Kaiser died from liver-related complications. Her father, former national football player Kaiser Hamid, confirmed her death in a Facebook post on Saturday, May 16.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to withdraw his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In exchange, a $1.7 billion compensation fund will reportedly be created to reimburse Trump’s allies who claim they were unfairly targeted during the Biden administration. The fund will be managed by a commission with full authority to distribute taxpayer money to settle claims from individuals alleging misuse of the legal system.

According to the report, the compensation will cover those who say they suffered due to alleged political targeting, including around 1,600 people charged in the January 6 Capitol attack and possibly entities linked to Trump himself. The settlement agreement is expected to be finalized within the next few days.

ABC News cited sources indicating that the creation of this compensation fund is considered a key condition for Trump’s withdrawal of multiple legal actions against the federal government.

A local BNP leader named Israfil Sheikh has been accused of occupying disputed land in Rampal upazila of Bagerhat and continuing construction work despite a temporary injunction issued by the Senior Civil Judge Court. The land in question, located in Gilatala mouza and measuring 0.0190 acres, is under a pending case where the court ordered that no construction, eviction, or obstruction of possession should occur until the case is resolved. The complainant family alleged that the accused ignored the court order and continued building with the influence of retired Additional DIG Omar Faruk.

The affected family held a press conference at the Bagerhat Press Club, claiming that even after informing local administration and police, no effective action was taken. Locals reported that construction materials were being transported regularly and workers were seen on site, raising concerns about administrative inaction. Attempts to contact Israfil Sheikh and Omar Faruk for comments were unsuccessful, though a close source of the accused claimed the land was legally purchased.

Local observers warned that continuing construction in defiance of a court order could pose a serious challenge to the rule of law. Police officials said the matter was under observation and would be handled seriously if violations were confirmed.

A recent article by retired Major General H R M Rokon Uddin describes how West Bengal’s disputed state election, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed victory amid allegations of manipulation and misuse of central authority, has created serious concern in Bangladesh. The author argues that political developments in West Bengal inevitably affect Bangladesh due to deep historical, cultural, and geographic ties across the border.

The piece highlights accusations of electoral interference, suppression of opposition voices, and the deployment of central forces, which critics say undermine India’s democratic integrity. It warns that inflammatory remarks by some local BJP leaders about Bangladesh following the election breach diplomatic norms and could strain bilateral relations. The author links these tensions to the ideological stance of the BJP and its parent organization, the RSS, which he describes as viewing Muslim-majority Bangladesh with suspicion.

The article urges Bangladesh to respond firmly through diplomatic protest, diversify strategic partnerships, strengthen border security, and maintain communal harmony. It also calls for balanced diplomacy to protect sovereignty while preserving the people-to-people connection between the two Bengals.